The 2026 NASCAR season is shaping into something no fan or service member will soon forget. Building on a 2025 schedule that included the Bowman Gray Stadium opener and a groundbreaking race in Mexico City, NASCAR will stage a first-of-its-kind event at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. With America’s 250th anniversary approaching, the Cup Series will hold its first race on an active military base, and a one-of-a-kind competition between NASCAR pit crews and U.S. Navy sailors will headline the celebration.
Key Highlights
- NASCAR to race June 19-21, 2026, at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego.
- NASCAR Cup Series’ first-ever race on an active military base.
- “Pit Crew vs. Sailor Challenge” announced by journalist Adam Stern as a marquee feature.
- Anduril named presenting sponsor of the San Diego weekend and Cup Series street race entitlement partner.
- Jimmie Johnson eager to race at his hometown base after limited schedules in 2024 and 2025
A Landmark Venue and Bold Vision
NASCAR’s San Diego visit lands just two weeks before the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. All three national series will compete during the June 19-21 weekend, but the Cup Series race stands out as a historic first. The Naval Base Coronado setting offers striking visuals and a powerful connection to American service members. Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan welcomed the partnership, while Captain Loren Jacobi expressed pride in the collaboration.
“NASCAR embodies the very best of the American spirit.” – John C. Phelan
“It’s an honor to partner with NASCAR at NAS North Island as part of our 250th anniversary celebration.” – Loren Jacobi
Pit Crew vs. Sailor Challenge
Adding a unique twist, journalist Adam Stern revealed plans for a “Pit Crew vs. Sailor Challenge,” pitting NASCAR’s top pit athletes against U.S. Navy personnel. The competition promises an engaging showcase of skill and teamwork, spotlighting the synergy between motorsports precision and naval discipline. This special event joins a Navy Community Day scheduled for June 19 and other ceremonial roles filled by Navy personnel. The collaboration reinforces NASCAR’s commitment to honoring those who serve while creating fresh entertainment for fans and service members alike.
“@NASCAR will put on a ‘Pit Crew vs. Sailor Challenge’ with the @USNavy as part of next year’s @NASCARSanDiego event.” – Adam Stern
.@NASCAR will put on a "Pit Crew vs. Sailor Challenge" with the @USNavy as part of next year's @NASCARSanDiego event. pic.twitter.com/qFvrRf6Lnw
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) September 25, 2025
Corporate Support and Strategic Growth
Defense technology company Anduril will sponsor the San Diego weekend and hold entitlement rights for the Cup Series street race. NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Craig Stimmel praised the partnership, highlighting the alignment of innovation and performance between the two organizations.
“Anduril is an American company that’s pushing boundaries in defense technology…It’s a great match — two high-performance teams coming together with a shared vision for the future, both on and off the track.” – Craig Stimmel
Jimmie Johnson’s Homecoming
For seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, the San Diego race carries deep personal meaning. Raised in nearby El Cajon, Johnson spent countless hours surfing along the coast, often looking out toward the massive Naval Base Coronado. After competing in nine Cup events in 2024 and two in 2025, Johnson is already planning to return for the 2026 San Diego weekend.
“To enter into the NASCAR space in the way that NASCAR as an industry honors men and women that serve, it’s just been a good collaboration of sorts. I feel fortunate to be in a series that is so focused on it. With all that, it gives me great confidence as we come to San Diego and race on a military base that it will be done top-notch and be correct.”
“(I’m) excited to come back for personal and, I guess, professional reasons. I think NASCAR’s pre-race show, their intentionality around honoring men and women who serve or have served, I think they do it better than anybody. I can’t wait for them to shine again.” – Jimmie Johnson
News in Brief: NASCAR Set for Epic 2026 Pit Crew Showdown Against U.S. Navy Team
NASCAR will race June 19-21, 2026, at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, marking the Cup Series’ first event on an active military base. A “Pit Crew vs. Sailor Challenge,” Navy Community Day, and Anduril sponsorship highlight the weekend’s special features. Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan and Captain Loren Jacobi praised the partnership, while Jimmie Johnson confirmed plans to compete in his hometown. This groundbreaking collaboration blends motorsports with military tradition.
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